BRAZIL — Ben Williams sacrificed his salary as a teacher for six months so he could prepare for the World Cup. On Sunday, it paid off. Williams became the first Australian referee to control a second-round match at a World Cup during the game between Costa Rica and Greece. So the match provided a first for three countries — Costa Rica and Greece had never previously qualified for the knockout stages at the sport's marquee tournament. The 37-year-old Williams is usually a teacher at a government school in Canberra, the national capital. He handled two group matches in Brazil. Before the tournament, he told the domestic media that he didn't mind taking unpaid leave from his day job to chase a dream. "It's a bit strange to see the fortnightly pay slip come through with all zeroes, but it's a sacrifice that's definitely worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Williams told reporters. He had a busy day Sunday, sending off Costa Rica's Oscar Duarte in the 66th minute, along with seven yellow cards. — AP
